Pledge to remove dangerous Caledonian Avenue crossing in Maylands

WA LABOR has pledged to remove a dangerous Maylands level crossing, one of the worst traffic hotspots in Perth, if it is elected.

It has promised to remove the Caledonian Avenue crossing at a cost of between $50 million and $70 million.

Motorists can wait more than 10 minutes at the crossing during peak hour.

Labor said removing the crossing would reduce congestion, improve safety, stimulate development close to public transport and allow for a greater frequency of trains.

The method of removing the level crossing has not been finalised.

Maylands MLA Lisa Baker said she was pleased the problem would be fixed.

“Many constituents have told me that the Caledonian Avenue crossing is a major congestion point,” she said.

“In addition to the existing congestion problems there, we are facing a 100 per cent increase in trains on the heritage line between Bayswater and Perth.”

Liberal candidate for Maylands Amanda Madden said that, if elected, she would look into a traffic review carried out with the City of Bayswater in the area.

“In regards to the railway crossing at Caledonia Avenue, I understand that a review was conducted in conjunction with the City of Bayswater to facilitate better traffic flow and to ensure the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and other road users,” she said.

“While I am now looking into that review and liaising with various stakeholders, I am absolutely committed to ensuring that the outcome is one which leaves commuters and pedestrians with a safer and prompter daily commute.”

She said the State Government had already made traffic upgrades in the area, including at Third Avenue and Seventh Avenue Bridges, Tonkin Highway and Guildford Road intersections and traffic light sequencing work.

Bayswater Council South Ward councillor Catherine Ehrhardt said she had experienced up to a 12-minute wait attempting to cross from the riverside to the Beaufort Street side at the crossing.

She said something needed to be done to fix the issue, but she wanted to know more details about the plans.

“I’m fearful that with an underpass it’s not deep enough and we could get something like with Bayswater where we keep getting trucks stuck underneath,” she said.

Cr Ehrhardt said a investing in a bridge at Meltham station with a right turn into Whatley Crescent might be a better option than a replacement overpass or underpass at Caledonian Avenue.